Stage 8 in the Oxford Reading Tree series marks an important milestone where children transition from simple texts to more complex narratives. At this level, readers are typically 6–7 years old (Year 3 in UK schooling or equivalent), and are developing fluency, inference skills, and greater reading independence

In The Flying Carpet, Biff and Kipper stumble upon an old carpet in a junk shop and bring it home, only to discover that it's magical. Triggered by the Magic Key, the carpet whisks them away to a distant land where they encounter a young boy imprisoned in a tower. Realizing he is a rightful king held captive by a wicked uncle, the children help him escape and reunite with his mother. With the help of the enchanted carpet, they outwit the villain and restore justice. This imaginative story blends fantasy, adventure, and moral themes, offering young readers a rich opportunity to explore bravery, fairness, and friendship through engaging, age-appropriate language and illustrations.